Puente Nacional

Puente Nacional is a municipality in the mountainous region of Santander Department, situated in the Suárez River Valley. The terrain rises to around 1,600 meters and forms a rural area that spans several hundred square kilometers.

The municipality was originally founded as Puente Real de Vélez and received its current name in 1781 during the Comunero Rebellions against Spanish rule. This renaming marked a turning point in the relationship between the local population and colonial authority.

The municipality preserves its roots through local craft traditions and farming methods passed down through generations. You can see this living connection to the past in everyday activities and how people work with their land.

The place is best reached by being aware of the mountainous terrain and anticipating local road conditions. The best time to visit is during the drier season when paths are more accessible.

Historical records suggest the region played an important role in early European expeditions for discovering new crops. The Andean agriculture of this area contributed to the spread of plants that later transformed European cuisine.

Location: Santander Department

Inception: 1556

Founders: Andrés Díaz Venero de Leiva

Elevation above the sea: 1,621 m

Website: http://puentenacional-santander.gov.co

GPS coordinates: 5.87722,-73.67861

Latest update: December 7, 2025 19:23